Bernadette Benson – Runner

Although the adage is “Don’t try anything new on race day,” I trialled Hammer Perpetuem for my first 24 hr race in June 2010. I had carefully read the science behind it and it made much more sense to me than fuels high in fat and/or simple sugars for such a long event

It was also much more preferable to me to use only one fuel, as I would then know my exact caloric intake (along with protein, sodium, and the like). This prevented the guesswork that would have been necessary during the race if I was eating a mixture of foods

Perpetuem was the only fuel I consumed for the entire event (along with Endurolytes at scheduled intervals). Although I watched many racers get sick around me all night, I ran without issue, setting a new Canadian W40 record.

1. What are your sporting aspirations?
In September 2011 I will be representing Canada at the Commonwealth Championships in the 24 hr event in Wales. My goals for that event include setting a new Canadian female record distance.

Later in 2011 I plan to run the 1000 km Bibbulmun Track – hopefully in record time – for charity. In 2012 I hope to continue racing well and healthy in order to be qualify for the World 24 Hr event in Poland…. The Transalps stage race in Europe is also on my goal list.

2. Who is your sporting hero?
Honestly, my running mates are – anyone who challenges themselves to go further and achieve more than before in terms of health and fitness.

3. What is your favourite race? Why?
I love running events with an added challenge – running at night, extremely long distances (having to choose to rest or not), team events, and/or events where navigation and decision-making are required such as in a rogaine.

4. What is your greatest sporting achievement?
As part of a team, the bronze medal at the World Trail Championships for Canada in 2011 would have to be tops. On an individual basis, I was particularly pleased with my first ever 24 hr race in which I broke the Canadian W40 24 hr record by 14 kms.

5. What Hammer Nutrition products do you use?
Perpetuem liquid and solids, Recoverite, Endurolytes, some bars, and the occasional gel.

6. Why do you use Hammer Nutrition?
I appreciate the science behind it. It’s a logical fuel that I can easily use to measure exactly what I’m putting into my body. It’s also very easy to adjust the dosage of each product just slightly depending on the effort I’m putting forth in each event or training session.

7. Favourite Quote:
“Don’t wish it were easier, wish you were better” – Jim Rohn